Straps

The strap is often seen just as an extra to a watch. Not in our eyes. We are of the opinion that the design and quality manufacture of a strap is as important as the watch itself and with strap change becoming as easy as it now is, anyone can team colours and fabrics to complement any selection of clothing.

The strap is often seen just as an extra to a watch. Not in our eyes. We are of the opinion that the design and quality manufacture of a strap is as important as the watch itself and with strap change becoming as easy as it now is, anyone can team colours and fabrics to complement any selection of clothing.

A Rare Chance to Own a 'Squad' Watch by MATWatches

MATWatches make great timepieces, primarily for the French Military and Special Forces Units; the French Foreign Legion, French Presidential protection team and officers of the French Air Force Reserve (A.N.O.R.A.A.).

Such 'Squad' watches are often reserved for serving members of the unit and have never been released to us civilians. Until now. You can own the AG6 Deminuer Edition, commissioned by the Civilian Defence Mine Clearance Unit; whose motto is “Succeed or Perish". Some 300 mine clearance officers from the Civilian Defence, use the watch on three types of mission.

Firstly, the watch is worn while neutralising and destroying unexploded ammunition that is regularly discovered by farmers, forest workers or those carrying out civil engineering works in the former "Zone Rouge"; the areas worst affected by the First and Second World War. It's often a collaborative effort with the army and the Inter-Forces Operational Centre, managing chemical weapons which were stored in Vimy in very poor conditions and were safely moved to Suippes near the silos for the former Hades2 nuclear missiles.

Plus, the watch is worn on both humanitarian and military mine clearance missions. Weapons are found, neutralised and removed, to either be stored or destroyed; ammunition such as mines, traps and apparatus or explosives which pose significant safety or environmental threats. This "demining" work is undertaken as part of the reconstruction effort in wake of the First World War.

The Deminuer is based upon the field tested AG6 mono bloc case design, powered by the classic ETA 2824 movement, with the left hand crown heavily protected by substantial guards; in a PVD coated 316L stainless steel case.

This 44mm watch was chosen for its clear and readable dial; not only does the wonderful black guilloche dial echo the kevlar weave of the units’ protective equipment, but it’s incredibly legible. Bold superluminova hands and indices ensure accurate timekeeping when it really matters. Plus, The Deminuer is water resistant up to 300m, offering great performance in a host of environments.

A unidirectional bezel with inverted orange triangle completes the simple timekeeping functions of this special timepiece. The AG6 case is supremely comfortable to wear with a short lug to lug distance of just over 49mm and machined strap recesses. These ensure a snug fit to your wrist, no matter your size.

Of course, like every MATWatch, the AG6 Deminuer comes in a practical travel pouch with three straps; one Barenia leather, one genuine rubber and a tactical nylon strap.

We are not sure how long the Deminuer will be available, so don't miss your chance to own a watch from one of France’s most elite Bomb Disposal Units. Watch the our review:

Do contact us today for more information on any MATWatches timepiece; from the Regatta Timer Chronograph, with a bespoke countdown movement, designed for the 2017 French Admiral's Cup sailing team to Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson’s own ‘Ed Force One’ Edition.